This was such a sweet second chance romance. Hudson and Dakota were high school sweethearts who had been engaged, but who had ended things when he went off to the big city to chase his dreams. The two find themselves unexpectedly neighbors when he returns to town to help plan his sister's wedding (or talk her out of it, as the case may be). I have to admit, I'm not sure if I've ever seen a couple of characters who were more stubborn than these two! Dakota has made it his mission to use his success to financially care for his loved ones--- even when they absolutely don't want that kind of help. To be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of his character in the beginning, because- as other characters were sure to point out- it really did just seem like it was all about money. As the story goes on, we get to see a bit more about WHY he is this way and that definitely helped me soften up towards him by the end. Dakota's life seemed to be falling apart in many ways and her fierce independence kept her from asking for help when she needed it. Like I said... both were stubborn in their ways. We did get to see them work out their issues and find their way back to each other when they did, but it was definitely a slow lesson learned. I loved the pining in the wait and the wonderful side characters we got to meet throughout the story as well. If you enjoy a good second chance romance with two imperfect characters, this is certainly one to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I didn’t realize this was a christian romance when I picked it up. And luckily it doesn’t include religious script or praise. Because if it did I would DNF this book right away. This book is more of a clean romance that built on ideals such as marriage, family and second chances. I however won’t be reading anymore by this author if are they are also this genre. That is not a genre I read. The beautiful cover is what made me pick up this book. As well as the description, it’s give almost a 27 Dresses vibe. The owners of a bridal shop helps brides find the right dress but lives with a broken engagement of her own. When the man from that engagement comes back into town for his sister’s wedding they’re thrown back together and must deal with the feelings of what they once had.

I always enjoy Amy Clipston, but haven't read any for awhile, so I was excited to see this offered! Like most of the books published by Thomas Nelson, it was a sweet romantic read and no need to worry about spice (because there really isn't any), but the gentleness of the story doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the book. I found this to be a great escape read. I love second chance stories!

With This Ring takes place in Flowering Grove which is the same small town in North Carolina that is the setting for at least a couple of her previous books. This is a stand-alone book so not necessary to read previous books although previous characters are mentioned but not really any spoilers. This book has to be my favorite of hers so far maybe because I enjoy reading the second-chance troupe. Dakota is struggling to make her bridal gown business a success. Having her shop being flooded and the insurance refusing to pay doesn't help. She rarely dates. She has not had a serious relationship since she broke up with the love of her life seven years earlier. Her ex-fiance Hudson returns to the town to convince his baby sister not to get married. Hudson gained a successful career in New York City after leaving Flowering Grove. I thought Alex was a jerk most of the story but there was still that chemistry between him and Dakota. So many times in the story I thought they would never get together because there were so many obstacles but at the very ending and I mean the last few pages we get the ending we were hoping for.

I highly recommend this book. I can't wait for her to write another Flowering Grove book. I'm not a fan of Amish fiction but I am considering reading one of her Amish novel since I like her writing style.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions express here are my own.

With This Ring by Amy Clipston is a well written second chance romance. I throughly enjoyed the plot and the character dynamics. I definitely recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance book. This is my unbiased review.

Oh my gosh, get ready to fell all the feels with this sweet story. I am just so taken back by how well this story melted me! It was wonderful.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
*With This Ring* by Amy Clipston is a heartfelt story about the complexities of love and second chances. When Hudson returns home with the intention of stopping his sister's wedding, he unexpectedly runs into his ex-fiancée, stirring up unresolved emotions and reminding him of the love he never let go of. Clipston’s narrative deeply resonates, capturing the tension between past regrets and the hope for a renewed future, making it a poignant and personal read for anyone who believes in the power of love to heal and restore.

I very much enjoyed this one. The author has done a wonderful job with this contemporary novel with just the right amount of everything even 2nd chances which I absolutely adore!
I read straight through because I couldn't put it down.
There is a time and place for everything. This is that novel. Sometimes it just takes a little growing up and a few learning experiences to make the time just right.
Sorry I wrote this a little early but I couldn't wait to tell everyone how much I enjoyed it.
5 stars for an entertaining novel. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this sweet novel. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This was my first book that have read from this author.
With this ring was such a good heartwarming romance that I enjoyed from start to end.

This is my first time reading from this author. I like how she delevopled chararcters well that draw to the story of Dakota and Hudson.and other characters' stories. I also enjoy that i can related to some characters. My favorite charcter is Aunt Trudy was full of widsom, love,and compassion. This won't be last book from Amy Clipston. I recieved a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Netgalley# #With this ring#

Though With This Ring screams like it’s your typical finding-each-other-again romance which it really is, the entertainment that it gave me is still priceless. With This Ring reminded me of those days when I just want to let go of all my stress, go to the beach or to a secluded cabin, stay there, watch a no-brainer romcom, be oblivious to anything else and just savor every moment that you are there. Imagine yourself simply enjoying a good read without straining your mind just to fathom its intellectual depth. With This Ring gave me such experience; adorable main characters, a predictable but nonetheless, fluffy story, and a quaint setting that you can easily fall inlove with.

The primary reason why I picked up this book, however, is that second chance romances are just right up my alley. There’s nothing more exciting than two lonely and miserable ex-lovers meeting and rekindling that lost love. I don’t know about you but there’s something achingly beautiful watching two people breaking up, learning from their mistakes, growing up and realizing that after all the struggles they’ve been through, they still find themselves longing for the one who caused them so much pain. Yes, I am sadistic in that kind of way. To make the story short, I did not dilly-dally but immediately hit the request button for With This Ring.

Just like the cover, With This Ring made me feel warm all over. I love our main characters despite being infuriated at their stubbornness and how their tunnel visions are ruining their HEA future. I love how they continued with their lives and not wallow in their brokenness. And yes, I love that the story is brimming with so much chemistry without resorting to endless sex and other smutty scenes. I don’t know how the author did it but With This Ring felt sexy and yet, wholesome at the same time. So this is just a perfect read for those who really want the kissing and sexy scenes light.

And who would not fall in love with Flowering Grove with its picturesque description, vibrant community, and happy vibe? It’s just the perfect setting for our love story to happen. I think the only downside of this book was when one of the supporting characters, Shane, chose to make a decision that really didn’t sit well with me because WTF? You just don’t do that to the woman you love just because her brother is a jerk. You are no longer a teenager for Pete’s sake. You are an adult who can choose to stand up and fight for the things that you want and love. So yup, that’s the only thing that really soured my mood when I was reading With This Ring.

But all in all, With This Ring is such a lovely and refreshing story that all romance fans should try.

With This Ring was a great heartwarming romance. I enjoyed it very much. This was one that I didn’t want to put down.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and lovable. The pacing was perfect and left you wanting to read more. I can't wait to read more by this author!

With This Ring is (apparently) a second book set in the town of Flowering Grove. (I guess Finding You was the first one.) This book has a familiar trope in many ways--small town boy/girl relationship, breakup due to one leaving for bigger better things, meet again in small town many years in the future--you know what I mean. In this version, each of the characters has added baggage of one key element--they like to be in control. Hudson has to deal with his never ending quest to "take care" of his family so they never experience bad things--for him that means giving them money and taking care of every need--whether they want it or not. It leads to MUCH drama between he and his sister when he decides she's not mature enough to decide to get married (she's 23) because he doesn't think she can make good choices. Plus he prefers to just toss money and run, rather than deal with any emotions. For Dakota--she doesn't want to have to admit she was wrong and needs help. She's worried about the fear of "I told you so" and comes to the point of absolute desperation before she allows herself grace to humble her pride.

I LOVED the element of the roller skating rink being a part of the story. And allll the wedding dresses. I snickered at the section with the client wanting "butter yellow".

While this is part of the Christian fiction genre, it doesn't have any major spiritual revelations or scripture or chats with God like you can expect in others of this genre. This one DOES celebrate hope in second chances. The power of humility and forgiveness. And the beauty of family.

4 Stars

*I was given a complimentary book by the publisher and NetGalley. All of these opinions are 100% my own.

This is my first book by Amy Clipston and I was disappointed. I picked it up because I loved the wedding boutique setting. What I found was a sweet, clean romance with depth and authentic characters.

From the Amazon synopsis: Dakota thought she had left her dreams of happily-ever-after behind, along with the pain of a broken engagement to her high school sweetheart, Hudson. Now, as the proud owner of Fairytale Bridal Shop in the picturesque town of Flowering Grove, she's built a life and a business on helping brides find their perfect dress for their own fairytale weddings. But running a small business is not for the faint of heart, and when her ex-fiancé unexpectedly returns to town with a mission—to put a stop to his sister's wedding—Dakota’s problems go from bad to worse.

Hudson Garrity should be living his dream. After selling his software company, he’s single, handsome, and rich, but an unexpected call from his baby sister has him flying down to his hometown, determined to protect Layla from yet another big mistake. Though he’s single-minded in his effort to derail the nuptials, he instead finds himself thrown into family chaos and roped into helping his sister with her plans . . . bringing him once more into contact with Dakota Jamison, the one who got away.

For Hudson, coming home means revisiting his painful childhood, repairing a strained relationship with his sister, and coming face-to-face with the woman he never stopped loving. For Dakota, it means confronting the tender memories she buried deep within her heart. As Layla’s wedding date draws close, the two reunited lovers begin to question if what went wrong between them really happened the way they remembered it at all.

This book by Amy Clipston is one of her better offerings in the contemporary romance genre. There are conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, and familial relationships. The more she writes in this genre, the better she seems to get. This book was hard to put down, it is that engaging.

Four Stars

Thomas Nelson Fiction provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

<b>4.5 stars, rounded up because this wasn’t quiiiite as good as <i>Finding You</i>, but I still loved it</b>

Amy Clipston has been hitting it out of the park with these sweet and clean contemporary romances! I loved <i>Finding You</i> and this one is set in the same quaint little town in South Carolina.

Let it be known that second chance romance isn’t my favorite trope, but I figured if anyone could do it well, it would be Amy Clipston. And — I was right!

This story was so sweet. I loved both Dakota and Hudson as characters. They were definitely flawed and had issues they were dealing with, but that just made them seem more realistic and well rounded. Dakota was extremely stubborn and unable to ask for help even when she needed it desperately, while Hudson was wrapped up in grief that he refused to address or acknowledge.

I liked seeing the two of them find each other again. The initial awkwardness of running into an ex was well done and I could see each of their points of view.

I loved the small town vibes and it sounded like such a charming place to live. The neighbors, friends and family were good people and supportive of the two lead characters.

Overall this was a very sweet romance and yet another hit for Amy Clipston. She’s one of my very favorite authors at this point.


<i>I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.</i>

Not going to lie, this was a frustrating read. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the MCs were this disinclined to listen to the advice of others, even when everyone is screaming the same thing at them. This book was ## chapters of the side characters telling the MCs the same thing over and over, and the MCs going “nuh uh!”, and running away like belligerent children.

Random Notes from my read:
* Oh god, Hudson has turned into the kind of person who grew up poor and overcorrected into a giant snob
* Parker…bro. Read the room. Also, don’t just show up to someone’s house unannounced. That’s just rude
* Oh my god, just talk to each other already
* I need something else to happen other than the MCs sticking their fingers in their ears and saying “lalalalalala”
* Oh thank god someone said it. Bravo, Skye!
* *bangs head against wall*


Many thanks to Netgalley for providing me with the DRC and allowing me to provide my honest review

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a good book!!! Such a good story and great writing style. This was my first by this author and will not be my last! Such a cute wedding book!

An amazing book filled with emotion and depth. Very real depicting life as a family and the need for forgiveness. A reminder to always look at what I'm doing and how it affects others.